Connecticut Senate Bill SB00375

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/12
• Refer: 3/7/12
• Report Pass: 3/23/12
• Refer: 4/4/12
• Report Pass: 4/11/12
• Refer: 4/19/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Reimbursement Under The Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Clean-up Program.

Impact

If enacted, SB 375 will fund activities related to the clean-up and reimbursement for costs incurred in the remediation of environmental damages caused by these tanks. This bill will strengthen existing environmental laws in the state and provide necessary financial resources for local and state efforts to manage and mitigate the risks associated with underground storage tank failures. The availability of state funds through bond issuance will enable timely responses to leaks, potentially preventing broader environmental damage and economic loss.

Summary

Senate Bill 375, titled 'An Act Concerning Reimbursement Under The Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Clean-Up Program', aims to provide a structured approach to financing clean-up efforts for underground storage tank leaks. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds totaling a maximum of eight million dollars, which will facilitate the funding process for the Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Clean-Up Review Board. This financial arrangement underscores the state's commitment to addressing environmental hazards associated with petroleum leaks from underground storage tanks, a significant ecological concern that impacts public health and safety.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around SB 375 appears to be supportive, particularly among environmental advocacy groups and stakeholders focused on public health and regulatory compliance. The approach of providing direct funding through bonds is generally viewed as a proactive measure to enhance the state’s environmental management capabilities. However, as with many environmental financial programs, there may be debates regarding the sufficiency of the funding allocation and whether it adequately addresses the scale of the issues posed by aging underground storage infrastructures.

Contention

While the main thrust of SB 375 is to enhance environmental protection through improved funding, there may be points of contention regarding the oversight of the funds and the transparency of the clean-up processes. Critics might raise concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of the previously established clean-up programs and whether this new influx of funding will directly translate to successful remediation projects. Additionally, discussions could surface around the long-term implications of bonding against future revenues and whether such measures create fiscal burdens for the state's budget.